Does the UK provide PR to Indian students after masters and work for a Master's?
Yes, the UK grants PR, officially Indefinite Leave to Remain, but it is not automatic after a Master. You must move from a student visa to the Graduate Route, then a Skilled Worker visa, and complete 5 continuous years of qualifying employment before applying for ILR.
PR in the UK is very achievable, but it is a staged journey rather than an automatic reward for finishing your Master. The official status is called Indefinite Leave to Remain, and the key is transitioning into sponsored work. Let me lay out the roadmap.
Roadmap to UK PR
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Complete your Master | Usually 1 year on a Student visa |
| Graduate Route visa | Currently 2 years, proposed to drop to 18 months from 2027 |
| Skilled Worker visa | 5 continuous years with a sponsoring employer |
| Apply for ILR | After the 5 qualifying years |
Key ILR Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Life in the UK test | Must be passed |
| Salary threshold | Meet the minimum at the time of application |
| Absence limit | No more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months |
My Advice
Understand the crucial catch: time on the Graduate Route does not count toward your five years, so its only job is to buy you time to find a sponsor. Target employers who already hold a valid sponsor licence, because many hesitate to take on Graduate Route hires due to sponsorship costs. If a Skilled Worker route never materialises, the 10-Year Long Residence route is a fallback, letting you apply for ILR after ten continuous legal years in the UK.
Planning to settle in the UK after your master's?
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